The tour will begin in the foyer of the Irish Film Institute (IFI), where guides will discuss the space’s architectural and historical journey, from its beginnings as an 18th Century Quaker Meeting House, through the artistic revolution of surrounding Temple Bar, to its current form today as a cultural hub in the heart of Dublin City.

It will then move into our cinema spaces, which retain features from the 18th Century. Guests will witness demos of the IFI’s 70mm film projector, the only of its kind in Ireland.

From here, the tour will progress to the Tiernan MacBride Library, named after a driving force in Irish film. Here guests will have an opportunity to view artefacts from the library’s collection and hear first-hand information from a member of our archive team. It will then proceed upstairs, into IFI’s projection booth to experience “behind-the-scenes” of cinema!

The tour will begin and end in the IFI foyer, where guides will answer any questions. Alongside a primary focus on the site’s architecture, tours will explore IFI’s efforts to make film accessible to all, and IFI’s significance during a time when Dublin is experiencing a decline in cultural spaces.

Disclaimer: IFI’s foyer, library and cinema spaces are wheelchair accessible by elevator, however unfortunately, our projection booth is located on a third floor and is accessible exclusively by a narrow staircase. Due to the small nature of the spaces featured on this tour, groups will have a maximum capacity of 8 people. IFI apologises for any inconvenience caused by these restrictions.

As the projection booth and Tiernan MacBride library feature delicate artefacts and equipment, food, drink and photography will not be allowed in these spaces. Any guest who fails to comply with this rule will be removed from the tour at IFI’s discretion.

Book-in only

IFI’s foyer and cinema spaces can be accessed by lift, however, unfortunately, our projection booth is accessible exclusively by a narrow staircase.

No food, drink or photography is permitted in the Tiernan MacBride Library or the projection booth.

Accessible Toilets